OVER at Recto, University of the East woke up to a new coaching setup, hoping the change could turn its fortunes around.
Far Eastern University had other ideas, though, recovering from its opening-day collapse with a 93-70 victory vs. the Red Warriors on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to even its UAAP Season 89 record at 1-1.
READ: Gavina steps down as UE coach; Hubalde steps up on interim basis
The red-and-white was playing its first game since Chris Gavina’s exit, with school legends Paulo Hubalde and Allan Caidic leading the interim staff.
Their first assignment was a tough one: stop a skid that had already reached 22 games.
Instead, the Tamaraws made it 23 in a row, three coming in the ongoing tournament, while also charging into the win column.
"The way we had our collapse against Adamson was not what we wanted. There’s a tough conversation with the players and the staff, but our focus now will be so much more on the process. We’re gonna focus on doing things the right way and the winning will take care of itself,” said FEU head coach Sean Chambers.
From bad to worse
The Tams built a 14-point halftime lead and only made matters worse for UE from there.
Mo Konateh led five green-and-gold players in double=figures with 15 points, while Kirby Mongcopa posted a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double.
Sophomore guards Tope Lagat and Mo Tanedo tried their best to keep the Red Warriors within striking distance with 20 and 16 points, respectively, but they were just ultimately outgunned.
The Scores:
FEU 93 — Konateh 15, Mongcopa 13, Bautista 13, Pasaol 12, Daa 12, Cabonillas 6, Burgos 5, Gish 5, Nakai 4, Hall 4, Felipe 3, Rañeses 1, Montemayor 0, Macapagal 0.
UE 70 — Lagat 20, Tañedo 16, Carillo 13, Ajani 7, Robles 4, Cruz-Dumont 4, Sabroso 2, Santos 2, Jimenez 2, Vasquez 0, Mascarinas 0, Perez 0.
Quarters: 23-15, 43-29, 65-44, 93-70.
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